Preparing a fragile or valuable parcel

Are you allowed to return your guest’s laptop, tablet or phone?

These items are considered potentially dangerous because of the lithium batteries they contain. But they can be returned! To do so, you must make sure the battery is in perfect condition and properly installed in the device. Also, no more than two items containing lithium batteries can be shipped in the same parcel.

These fragile items must be packed with particular care. Choosing the right packaging is especially important. The closer the box is to the size of the item being shipped, the more stable it will be. To wedge the item in place and protect it as much as possible, do not hesitate to add bubble wrap, packing paper or even newspaper if that is all you have. The parcel must also be closed carefully; you can reinforce the sides of the box with tape if you feel it is necessary.

Shipping a fragile or valuable parcel: pay attention to the description of the contents

Among the fragile and valuable items that have to be shipped to their owners, there are often materials and devices that carriers may refuse. So you need to pay close attention to what you declare when shipping.

The description written on the shipping label is the first thing carriers rely on to decide whether or not to accept your parcel. Its purpose is to rule out the presence of dangerous items or products. Make sure you describe the items as precisely as possible: this will prevent them from being refused by the carrier or by customs.

For example:

• The description “make-up bag” would be refused because of the risk that it contains a dangerous item such as perfume or nail polish, which are prohibited.
• We therefore recommend a detailed description such as “blusher + lipstick + mascara”, depending on what the bag contains.
• If you enter the description “personal documents”, the parcel could contain anything.
• We therefore recommend stating the contents precisely, such as “souvenir photos”. This certifies that there is no prohibited item in the parcel.

See our article on the items prohibited in parcels for more details.

Preparing forgotten cosmetics for shipping

A bottle of perfume or nail polish cannot be shipped, as these are particularly dangerous flammable products. On the other hand, creams, make-up or any toiletries that pose no risk of combustion or explosion can be returned without any problem.

A parcel must always be packed carefully. This is even more true when shipping certain items such as laptops or cosmetics. In this particular case, if the product is liquid or in a container that could open, use watertight packaging for extra safety. Think of zip-lock plastic bags (supplied by PeeK’in in its logistics pack, available in three sizes): they are airtight and perfect for this type of shipment!

What if your guest left cash behind? How do you return it?

Guests often leave cash behind during their stay. One of our client properties found several thousand euros in banknotes on a bedside table! Sending cash by post is prohibited, whether within France or abroad.

Our advice for returning cash

• In France, use a postal money order from La Poste. To do so, go to a post office with proof of identity and pay the amount you wish to send. The sum will be transferred to the recipient, up to the limit set by La Poste.
• If the case is urgent or the amount is high, a fallback solution is to bank the cash and make a transfer to your guest, after asking for their permission and a sworn statement that the money was not obtained fraudulently or in breach of anti-money-laundering law.

How do you return a bank card to its owner?

Shipping a bank card requires precautions because of the risk of fraudulent use. It would be unwise to send it by ordinary post. In France, you can send a bank card by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt.

In France as abroad, the other solution is an express shipment with signature on delivery. This keeps the risk of loss or misdelivery to a minimum. To go further, read our guide How to ship a valuable item a guest left behind.

You are now ready to prepare a fragile or valuable parcel for your guests with complete peace of mind! You can also find out more about the items that are prohibited in parcels in France and abroad.